CRICKLADE Rugby Club are mourning the loss of founder member and president Martin Bickell, who died on Thursday, February 21, following a short illness.

A minute's silence will be held before their home game against Calne on Saturday as the club honours the memory of a man described as a "real character and a driving force" in the local community.

Bickell, who also represented Cirencester, played in Cricklade's first ever game on September 6, 1992, against Aldbourne. After a number of years as a player, committee member and chairman he was nominated as president, and last year he was made a life member In addition to his involvement with the rugby club he was involved with a number of community initiatives including the building and management of Cricklade Leisure Centre, Cricklade Carnival and the Sportsman's Dinner Association.

The funeral is being held today at 4pm at Gloucester's Coney Hill Cemetery and Crematorium, and John Abbott, of Cricklade Rugby Club, paid tribute to Bickell.

He said: "Martin was passionate about rugby and still played the occasional game even in his late 50s.

"He was a real character and his presence will be missed around the town, but his drive, can do spirit and involvement with local projects, particularly on sporting issues, will be missed even more.

"He will be sorely missed by all those involved in Cricklade rugby, but the wider community has also lost a real character and driving force."

  • SWINDON will be aiming to keep up their challenge for a top-three finish as they travel to rivals Beaconsfield tomorrow in Southern Counties North, while Wootton Bassett are away at Oldfield Old Boys in Southern Counties South action.

In Dorset & Wilts One North, Bassett 2nd play at Bradford on Avon, Swindon 2nd go head-to-head with Supermarine, Minety are at Trowbridge 2nd, and Fairford travek to Chippenham 2nd. Swindon College Old Boys entertain Oxford in Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier.